PROFISTAT

LIFE10 ENV/SK/000086

418 678,00 €

2010

The diverse geological and geochemical conditions present in Slovakia are responsible for a range of health impacts. For example, in some areas, groundwater and drinking water is deficient in calcium and magnesium. Around 10% of the country, area-wise, is thought to be affected by anthropogenic pollution. In high-risk regions, life expectancy is considerably lower than the national average and the incidence of serious illnesses, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, is 2-5 times higher. Studies have shown significant correlations between the presence or deficit of some elements in the geological environment and people’s health. To date, however, systematic research has not been carried out on the negative impacts of both natural and anthropogenic conditions on health.

The Geohealth project identified and confirmed correlations among environmental conditions and the health status of inhabitants which could have significant policy implications. It produced databases, maps of environmental and health data, and studies, in support of proposals for legal and technical measures. These included the imposition of simple measures to increase the consumption of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in areas of deficiency through the promotion of mineral water, appropriate diets and vitamin supplements, along with national measures to improve the quality of drinking water sources. The project established an artificial neuron network that showed that calcium and magnesium in groundwater and water hardness (Ca+Mg) are the strongest chemical elements influencing human health. Other evaluated environmental indicators were found to be less influential. It thus proposed increasing the recommended levels of Ca, Mg and Ca+Mg in the Slovak Drinking Water Guideline to around twice their current values. The results will have a significant impact on future research internationally. The innovative method of the artificial neuron network can moreover be adapted to other research fields where inter-relationships between large data sets are studied. Another innovative approach was the compilation of national datasets of environmental and health indicators in numeric and map form. Geohealth furthermore helped raise awareness among the public of a range of environment-influenced health problems and led to the active search for solutions. It held informal meeting with residents in the most vulnerable areas to explain the risks posed by the geological environment and how to avoid them in their everyday life. The beneficiary is continuing to publicise the impact of the project as well as carrying out pilot testing of proposed measures within another LIFE project, Life for Krupina. It recognises that long-term efforts will be needed to achieve sufficient policy support at national and European level that will transform the project recommendations into appropriate actions. The project team is also helping revise guidelines for drinking water quality at EU level. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan.

environmental assessment / groundwater / pollution control / public health /

Štátny Geologický Ústav Dionýza Štúra